A Northamptonshire logistics business owner is preparing for a 3,000-mile transatlantic rowing challenge to raise funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease (MND).

Matt Sirrell, who owns Preston Deanery-based MSL Logistics, is part of a four-man crew taking on the endurance challenge later this year in support of the MND Association. The team, known as Fourtitude, will row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda, a journey expected to take around 40 days.

On Saturday 31 January, Matt and fellow crew members David Watts, Peter Haymes and Tom Foster attended Franklin’s Gardens, home of Northampton Saints, alongside their rowing boat ahead of the Saints’ East Midlands clash with Leicester Tigers. The appearance was used to raise awareness of the challenge and generate donations for the Northampton-based charity.

The MND Association is the UK’s largest charitable funder of MND research. Around six people are diagnosed with the terminal neurological condition every day, which progressively affects mobility, speech, eating and breathing.

“All four of us have enjoyed sport in the past and I can’t imagine the impact of being diagnosed with something like MND and having that taken away,” said Matt Sirrell. “We’ve all seen the stories of people such as Rob Burrow, and I just couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

The challenge begins on 12 December, and the team is already deep into a structured training programme covering both physical and mental preparation.

“The physical side is only part of it,” Matt said. “Mentally, this is a much bigger test. We’ve also had some very serious conversations with our families, and their support has been absolutely critical.”

Life at sea will involve two-hour rowing shifts, limited sleep, and coping with isolation, fatigue and unpredictable weather.

“People always ask where you sleep and where you go to the toilet,” Matt added. “The answer is two small cabins and a bucket called Lucy.”

The Fourtitude team is now seeking support from the local business community, including corporate sponsorship, as preparations continue.

More information and donation details are available via Give As You Live.

Image from left to right, David Watts, Peter Haymes, Tom Foster and Matt Sirrell ahead of their transatlantic rowing challenge.